Cincinnati-based dealership buys Dunlap RV, closing original location

In this 2014, staff file photo, David Roberson with Dunlap RV looks over campers during the first day of the Chattanooga RV Show at the First Tennessee Pavilion. In this 2014, staff file photo, David Roberson with Dunlap RV looks over campers during the first day of the Chattanooga RV Show at the First Tennessee Pavilion.

By Dave Flessner January 10, 2018 4 min read

About Dunlap RV

› Started: 1994 in Dunlap, Tenn.› Locations: Ringgold, Ga., Lebanon, Tenn., Knoxville and Bowling Green, Ky.› Founders: Brad and Renee Soldwedel› RV brands: Jayco, Highland, Starcraft, Winnebago, Holiday Rambler, Monaco and Valeigh

Nearly 24 years after Brad and Renee Soldwedel started selling campers out of an old gas station in the center of Dunlap, Tenn., the couple sold their Dunlap RV business last week to a growing Cincinnati-based RV dealership.

Dunlap RV, which had grown to five locations selling a variety of travel trailers and motor homes in Tennessee, Georgia and Kentucky, came under the ownership of Family RV this week. The new RV dealership owner, which is part of a private equity firm based in Connecticut, is keeping open all but the original Dunlap location.

“The acquisition is another example of our commitment to expand our reach and bring our strong customer service mindset to more RV-buying communities,” Family RV President Wade Stepp said in an announcement of the purchase.

Financial terms of the sale were not announced.